As a result of the everchanging technological landscape, Microsoft has recently launched the new ERP solution Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, a fully cloud-based business management platform based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV capabilities. But there are other ERP systems in the Dynamics line of products, including Microsoft Dynamics GP. We have been asked often recently whether current Dynamics GP users should consider Business Central, and which solution should organizations looking to implement a new ERP system select.
Which one does your organization need?
The answer depends on a number of factors, for instance your budget, industry, number of users and technological vision. A Microsoft Dynamics partner specialized in your given industry and familiar with your business processes can help you select the best business management solution for you. In the meantime, here is an overview of the main differences between Dynamics GP and Business Central:
| Dynamics GP | Business Central | |
| Industries | Professional services, NPOs, distribution | Distribution, manufacturing |
| Deployment | On premises or hosted | On premises, cloud or hosted |
| Licensing | GP licenses are purchased once unless additional users are required. Licences are based on a number of concurrent users. | Licences are on a named user basis. You are in essence renting your solution, ensuring predictable costs every month. |
| Maintenance & hardware | Maintenance costs are calculated on a yearly basis. Your organization is also responsible for the infrastructure. | Infrastructure and maintenance costs are included in your monthly licensing fees. |
Some questions to ask to help you decide:
- How much control do you need over your database?
- Do you have an IT team available to support your business applications?
- What types of integrations are you looking to manage?
Having the answers to these questions will help you and your implementation partner determine which solution will not only best fit the current structure of your organization, but also help you fulfill your long-term vision and support your business growth.
Dynamics GP is not going anywhere
Dynamics GP is a mature, proven solution with more than 50 modules included natively. As such it provides a robust platform and a wide array of tools to support the long-term growth of your organization. Now used by more than 47,000 organizations worldwide, it offers easy reporting capabilities and advanced financial features, ensuring the complete management of your business and finances. Moreover, it benefits from a large, established ecosystem of third-party products, making it possible to find industry-specific modules and solutions to adapt the system to your business processes.
Roadmaps released this year show that Microsoft is continuing to invest in Dynamics GP, with updates and support slated all the way through to 2028. Development and enhancements, namely in terms of the intelligent edge, are in the works so that you may benefit from being in the cloud while also taking advantage of a mature product. For more information, you may review .
Business Central in a nutshell
Business Central, on the other hand, was designed as an all-in-one platform for small and medium-sized businesses. As the cloud-based evolution of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, it puts its functionalities at your users’ disposal through a streamlined, intuitive interface. It can also be customized easily based on specific user needs. Tools, data and applications are available via the cloud in real time, while the solution is maintained and updated automatically. This increases accessibility and mobility, allowing you to connect with clients, partners and colleagues to promote collaboration and teamwork and increase the level of service offered to clients.
As a flexible, mobile cloud-based solution, Business Central also leverages the latest technologies available, namely in terms of the cloud, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence, providing users with powerful analytical tools. It is particularly well suited to wholesale distribution and manufacturing, but can be adapted to a number of other industries.
A Microsoft Dynamics specialist can answer your questions, analyze your needs, and help you select the ERP system most suited to your organization. Whether you wish to migrate your system to the cloud, update your existing system or expand its possibilities with third-party products, a full-service partner like JOVACO Solutions can help you identify your needs and the system that will best help you meet them.
By JOVACO Solutions,
